Nature can be trusted to work her own miracle in the heart of any man whose daily task keeps him alone among her sights, sounds and silences.

What was money that it should make such dreadful things of men and women?

Now what is a guest? A thing of a day! A person who disturbs your routine and interferes with important concerns. Why should any one be grateful for company? Why should time and money be lavished on visitors? They come. You overwork yourself. They go. You are glad of it. You return the visit, because it's the only way to have back at them.

I don't so much mind the falling, but I do seem to select the hardest spots to light on.

If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhere you choose.

To my way of thinking and working, the greatest service a piece of fiction can do any reader is to force him to lay it down with a higher ideal of life than he had when he took it up.

Tears were a blessing; they were a relief; they did wash the ache from the heart, ease brain strain, and encourage the soul.